10 Best Stoic Tattoos: Best Stoicism Tattoo Ideas

Stoicism is simple, blunt, and useful. That is why it is a philosophy followed by so many of the greatest minds in history.  It does not sugarcoat, try to appeal, or overly complicate.  It is a strong philosophy that is designed to be lived. Stoics only concern themselves with what they can control, the only thing that any of us can truly control, our thoughts and actions.

That doesn’t mean they didn’t care about others. In fact, Stoics consider themselves citizens of the universe. They consider all mankind brothers, and live their lives according to nature. They believe the real strength resides in the whole, and each person should strive to be their best for the purpose of the greater good.

The philosophical principles of Stoicism are the perfect subject for tattoos.  From short to the point Stoic script tattoos of the maxims the Stoics were known for, to more elaborate tattoos that symbolize the Stoic beliefs.  Stoicism inspired tattoos are the perfect way to truly embody the Stoic philosophy.

That is why we put this list of the Top 10 Stoic Tattoo Ideas together. To help inspire your next Stoicism tattoo. Whether you want amazing imagery, meaningful script, or both, these Stoicism inspired tattoos will be a preferred indifferent for any Stoic tattoo enthusiast.

#10: Memento Mori Script Tattoo

This is one of the most common Stoic maxims, and for good reason. We only have so much time, and we do not know how much time that is. So, quit thinking about all the things you want to do, and do them. Because if you don't, you may never have the chance. This Stoic script tattoo looks as great as it's message, the letters are very clean and sharp, just like it's message. A perfect tattoo idea for any Stoic who like to keep it simple.

Click here to check out our Top 10 Memento Mori Tattoo Ideas

 Tattoo done by Sarah 

#9: 4 Stoic Virtues Tattoo

The Stoics held Virtue as the only true good in life. The 4 virtues of Stoicism are simple: Wisdom, Temperance, Justice, and Courage,  these pillars of virtue were all that Stoics needed to remember to keep them on a virtuous path. Again, this Stoic tattoo is simple and easy to understand, the book represents wisdom, the half glass of wine: temperance, the scales: justice, and the lion: courage. There are many different things you can do that represent the 4 virtues, that is why it is such a good Stoicism tattoo idea.

Tattoo done by Sarah  

#8: Memento Mori and Memento Vivere Tattoo

This Stoicism tattoo has a message that many forget the importance of, Memento Vivere, "Remember to live".  This is something that many of us forget in our daily life, as we get caught up and "busy" with all the things that don't really matter. The second message on this tattoo is equally important, Memento Moir, "Remember you will die" .  Tomorrow is never promised, start living the life you want today. The red and black on this Stoic tattoo go well together and give it a bit of a "trash polka" feel, a great tattoo idea for any Stoic. 

(artist credit unknown, please let us know so we can link)

 #7: Life and Death Hourglass Tattoo

The hourglass represents the passing of time. This Stoic inspired hourglass reminds us what time passing means: The cycle of life and death. But, the Stoics believed this was nothing to fear, it was natural , and that which is natural, was not bad. It is simply a reminder to spend the time you have wisely, because the clock is always ticking. This Stoic hourglass tattoo is made of bones and a skull, very fitting for a Stoicism tattoo idea.

(artist credit unknown, please let us know so we can link)

#6: Seneca The Younger Tattoo

Seneca, the original "Bad Boy" of Stoicism, he lived a life of luxury that most other Stoics would frown upon. However, this made him perfect for Stoic insights for our modern times, when even the least well off of us live in luxury compared to our distant ancestors. His writings and advise seem like they could have been written today, and they are all about how to overcome common problems we all face. This makes Seneca a great muse for any Stoic tattoos. The Stoic tattoo below of Seneca has an expression I imagine he had when he was complaining about his "rich people problems".

#5: Stoic Coin Tattoo

Coins with Stoic phrases have been gaining popularity lately. This is probably  because, they look cool, they are easy to carry with you, and a certain Stoic markets the shit out of them.  The first two reasons make them a perfect Stoicism tattoo idea, they look cool, and there is no easier way to carry something with you than on your skin. The Stoic tattoo below features a coin with the 2 most popular stoic maxims: Memento Mori and Amor Fati.

#4: Yin Yang Tattoo

The Yin Yang is associated with a different philosophy Taoism, however the Yin Yang has some very Stoic meaning to it. First, the Yin Yang symbolizes balance. Second, it symbolizes being one with nature. Finally, it symbolizes going with the flow and loving fate. This makes the Yin Yang, although not Stoic in origin , the perfect Stoicism tattoo idea. This Yin Yang tattoo in particular combines all of those elements perfectly with the vivid colors with dark background, and the contrasting fire and water elements.

Tattoo done by Steve

#3: Heart and Mind Scales Tattoo

The balance of heart and mind is the key to any good philosophy, and of course this includes Stoicism. That is why this scale with the balanced heart and mind is our #3 Stoic tattoo on our Best Stoic Tattoo Ideas list. This Stoic tattoo also expresses justice or temperance, 2 of Stoicisms 4 virtues. The tattoo style also works great with the fine line black and grey.

Tattoo done by Alessandro Capozzi

#2: Amori Fati and Memento Mori Hourglass Tattoo

Next on our list of Best Stoic Tattoo Ideas is this Amor Fati (Love Fate) and Memento Mori (Remember You will Die) Hourglass tattoo. The placement of these Stoic maxims on the hourglass is perfect, as well as the images that fill the hourglass. Amor Fati at the top with an hourglass filled with trees representing nature. Love fate while you are living, being one with nature (the living world). Memento Mori at the bottom with a skull in the hourglass, reminding us of the fate we also share when our time inevitably runs out. The style of this Stoic tattoo is also bold and beautiful blackwork, making a case for the #2 spot.

(artist credit unknown, please let us know so we can link)

#1: Marcus Aurelius Tattoos

Marcus Aurelius, by far the most well know Stoic in history, it is no wonder he has inspired so many amazing Stoicism tattoos. The philosopher king that knew with great power comes great responsibility, wrote his personal thoughts down in what is now called The Mediations, a book that has inspired and helped some of the history's most influential people.  He is one of the reasons that we even know what Stoicism is today, and his sayings and maxims are some of the most popular in western philosophy . These Stoic tattoos below are some of our favorite Marcus Aurelius tattoos, they feature him with all the different elements of Stoicism, and they are some truly beautiful tattoos.

(artist credit unknown, please let us know so we can link)

Bonus Stoic Tattoo Ideas

Memento Mori Hourglass Tattoo

One of the most popular Stoic maxims make it to our bonus Stoic tattoo ideas, the Memento Mori hourglass tattoo. The tattoo below is done perfectly with the bottom of the hourglass shaped like a skull. reminding us further that we have a limited time here, and as a true Stoic you must make the most of the time we have.

 Tattoo done by Ryan

Four Stoic Virtues Tattoo on Arm 

This tattoo is another take on the 4 Stoic Virtues tattoo, wisdom, temperance, justice, and courage. There are a lot of recurring themes in Stoicism, and that is because they are important. Simple, easy to understand, and to call on. 

Tattoo done by Summer

We hope you enjoyed this list of the 10 Best Stoic Tattoo Ideas. And if you didn't, whatever, it's not good or bad anyway, just a preferred indifferent. If you want to check out some more philosophy tattoos click here fro our 10 Best Philosophy Tattoo Ideas list .

Let us know what Stoic Tattoo Ideas you liked best in the comments below. And, if you have a Stoicism Tattoo you want featured let us know. As always if this list inspired you to get a new Stoic tattoo, set an appointment to get it done at Mr. Inkwells tattoos.

See You Soon!